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Images: Phelps talks to media about final swim

If there was any doubt, he again answered the question at this news conference in front of international media that he is, in fact, done with competitive swimming, but not done being competitive.

"This is my first day of retirement and first day of my new life," Phelps said.

For 20 years, Phelps' life has been planned, regimented and choreographed in four-year increments with one goal: being the first Michael Phelps.

An unprecedented 22 medals later, 18 of them gold, he is the best ever.

"It's just time to move on to something else," he said. "You have 20 years staring at the black line at the bottom of a pool is a long time, and I'm looking forward to turning the page and seeing where it leads me."

After chasing gold, Phelps is looking forward to playing golf and chasing a white ball around the green, hopefully not too far in the rough.

While he's done in the pool, Phelps said there is still more work to be done for swimming.

"My competitive part of my career is over. It doesn't mean I'm done with the sport," Phelps said.

Institute of Civil Engineering, where Phelps conference was held.

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